Suspect in baby death appears before Vegas judge

LAS VEGAS 
A man accused of sexually assaulting and killing his girlfriend's toddler made an initial court appearance in Las Vegas on felony charges of murder and sexual assault with a minor.

William Marshall said Tuesday he understood the charges against him, and Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Nancy Oesterle scheduled a preliminary hearing Oct. 23. The judge set a bail hearing for Aug. 12.

The 37-year-old Marshall was arrested June 13 in Tempe, Ariz.

He is accused of sexually assaulting and killing his girlfriend's 21-month-old daughter, Shia Travis. Her body was found June 10 in an apartment complex trash bin in Las Vegas.

The girl's 20-year-old mother, Darrean Williams, has not been charged in the case.